Fehdrau, Anna Martens (1876-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Jun 16 p. 8

Birth date: 1876 Apr 7

text of obituary:

MRS. G. W. FEHDRAU

Our beloved mother, Anna (Martens) Fehdrau, was born to Abraham and Sarah (Penner) Martens on April 7, 1876 in Reno county, two and one-half miles east of Buhler, Kan.

At the youthful age of 19 years she felt the burden of her sins and accepted Christ as her personal Savior and Lord. On Oct 20, 1895, she was baptized by Elder Bernhard Buhler and received into the fellowship of the Hebron Mennonite church of Buhler, Kansas.

Having lived the greater part of her life on the farm, our parents moved to the city of Buhler in 1925 to retire from their strenuous labors and to enjoy the sunset of life together. On Feb. 6, 1927, our parents became members of the Mennonite Brethren church of Buhler, and to this church mother was faithful until her recent home-going.

In her desire to serve the Lord, she was always active in the sewing circle, contributing to its progress and missionary objectives wherever she could. Her burden for the Lord's cause also found expression in generous giving of her means. The spiritual concern of her heart, in particular, was for the soul's welfare of her children grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her ministry of prayer and intercession for the church and for the lost always encouraged us to holier living and more devoted service for Christ.

She entered into holy marriage with George W. Fehdrau on May 23, 1897. Had mother lived to this day, she would have reached the 58th wedding anniversary. To the marriage union of our parents were born two children, one son and one daughter. Mother' health was very good until about 15 years ago when she became afflicted with diabetes. During the last few years, however, other ailments developed including hardening of the arteries and a heart condition.

Throughout her life, mother manifested a sincere devotion to her Lord, spending much time in prayer and in the reading of the Word of God. The many references in the fly leaves of her Bible indicate somewhat the strength and comfort she gained from the searching of the Scriptures. In her concern about the spiritual welfare of others, particularly of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, she would often exhort us with the words: "Work out you own salvation with fear and trembling." Her unfailing faith in God and in His promises is evidenced from her own words written in a diary: "All worries disappear from my mind, because I trust in God." Among the many songs she loved to sing, were; "Fuer Dich Will Ich Beten," "Nimm mich Wie Ich Bin," and "Jesu Trau Ich Tag Fuer Tag."

On May 2, 1955, mother moved to the Sunshine Mission Home, where she hoped to enjoy the lat years of her life in followship [sic] with the guests there. In the Providence of God, however, she took sick just two days later and succumbed to a heart attack 18 days after her entrance to the Home, on Friday evening, May 20, 1955 at 9:30. She reached the age of 79 years, one month and 13 days.

She was preceded in death by our father, George W. Fehdrau, who departed on July 15, 1945, and one grandchild, James Ray Franz. She leaves to mourn her departure one son, Abram, Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Fehdrau; one daughter, Clara, Mr. and Mrs. D. E. Franz, both of Buhler, Kansas; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three sister, Mrs. J. P. Sawatzkey, Mrs. J. M. Bartel, and Mrs. D. H. Dick, all of Buhler; two brothers, Paul Martens, Burlington, Kansas, and Daniel Martens, Dodge City, Kansas, and many relatives and friends.

We sorrow not as others who have no hope, for we know that mother is now with the Lord, which is far better, enjoying the blessedness of His presence, peace and rest evermore.